Top Scandals of 2009

Win McNamee/Getty Images

The once-promising career of former Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards took a terrible turn after news leaked of an affair he had with a staffer while his wife was battling cancer. He also reportedly fathered a child with that same staffer.

The once-promising career of former Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards took a terrible turn after news leaked of an affair he had with a staffer while his wife was battling cancer. He also reportedly fathered a child with that same staffer. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Singer Chris Brown made headlines for all the wrong reasons after he was charged and convicted of felony assault against singer and then girlfriend Rihanna. Brown was sentenced to five years probation and community service.

Singer Chris Brown made headlines for all the wrong reasons after he was charged and convicted of felony assault against singer and then girlfriend Rihanna. Brown was sentenced to five years probation and community service. (RICK LOOMIS/AFP/Getty Images)